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Springdale Alderman Wants Pit Bulls Banned

Springdale city leaders are discussing what to do about potentially vicious dogs in the area, after one alderman’s canine was attacked by another dog. Tha...

Springdale city leaders are discussing what to do about potentially vicious dogs in the area, after one alderman's canine was attacked by another dog. That city council member believes pit bulls should be banned from the city, while the mayor says discussions are a long way from any actual proposal.

Members of Springdale's city council are set to meet Monday to continue discussions concerning options on how to reduce violent attacks from dogs and cats.

"Ask anyone if they have ever seen a pit bull attack, and in my opinion, pit bulls should be banned," said Alderman Mike Overton.

The issue was spurred forward by city leaders after Overton's own dog was the victim of violence. He said a pit bull jumped out of a pickup truck and bit his cocker spaniel.

Many dog advocates believe pit bulls are not naturally prone to violence, saying what is more important is how they are raised by their owners. Pit bulls unfairly have a bad reputation, they say.

Mayor Doug Sprouse said any definitive decisions on how to move forward will have to be fully discussed before being proposed.

"But we have had a few incidents here lately involving what we believe are pit bulls. And there are cities around the country believed to have breed-specific bans, and, again, we're not there yet," he said.

Overton said he does not believe a pit bull ban would successfully go through the City Council, but said he wants something done to decrease the number of violent attacks from dogs and cats.

"I know it ain't gonna happen, but at the very least, I hope we can address our ordinances and come up with stringent requirements for these people who choose to have dangerous dogs regardless of breed," Overton said.

The mayor said it would be difficult for the city to enforce any specific bans.

"I think if you go with the breed-specific ordinance, you really have enforcement issues. Many issues come up that are going to be difficult to deal with," Sprouse said. "They need to know we're meeting on this, so they can give their input. But I don't see ourselves anywhere near close resolving this one way or another."

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